Those compounds are called magnolol and honokiol, according to the study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

In lab tests, magnolia bark extract killed virtually all of the oral bacteria it encountered.

Those bacteria included two types of bacteria that cause bad breath and a third type that causes cavities.

Nine healthy adults took a breath test an hour after eating lunch.

First, they provided a saliva sample. Then they were given breath mints or chewing gum, some of which contained magnolia bark extract. Lastly, they provided saliva samples 30 minutes and an hour after using the gum or breath mints.

Those who had gotten the products containing magnolia bark extract had a bigger reduction in their bad-breath bacteria.

For instance, those who got the mints laced with magnolia bark extract had a 61% drop in their bad-breath bacteria within 30 minutes of using the mints.

In comparison, bad-breath bacteria dropped by about 4% in that time frame for people who got ordinary mints without magnolia bark extract.

The researchers work at the Wrigley Company, which makes products including gums, breath mints, and breath strips.

They didn't scrape bark off magnolia trees. Instead, they used magnolia bark extract, magnolol, and honokiol supplied by companies in Japan and China. The study doesn't recommend a do-it-yourself brew to fight bad breath.

How Do I Measure Up? Get the Facts Fast!

Number of Days Per Week I Floss

Answer:

Never(0)

Good(1-3)

Better(4-6)

Best(7)

You are currently

Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

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